11 Apigenin Benefits

Apigenin is a natural compound found in many fruits and vegetables. While its full effects in humans have been barely figured out, there is some preliminary evidence that apigenin can help calm nerves, provide antioxidant effects, and even help fight cancer. What Is Apigenin? Apigenin is an antioxidant compound that naturally occurs in plants. It can be found in fruits and vegetables, such as parsley, onions, oranges, tea, chamomile , wheat sprouts, and some seasonings. Outside of its biological effects, it is a yellow crystalline that is typically used to dye garments. Its effects in animals have been thoroughly studied, while few human studies testing this substance exist. Nevertheless, preliminary research on apigenin has observed potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Health Benefits of Apigenin Insufficient Evidence for: 1) Anxiety and Depression In a clinical trial on 57 people with generalized anxiety disorder, a German chamomile extract standardized to 1.2% apigenin reduced anxiety symptoms. In a further trial on the same population, the extract also improved depression in all the patients [ 1 , 2 ]. Apigenin improved depression caused by cortisol treatments in mice [ 3 ]. The levels of the stress hormone cortisol were decreased in human adrenal cells exposed to apigenin . At high doses, apigenin blocks the cortisol-producing enzyme CYP11 B1 [ 4 , 5 ]. Two clinical trials testing an apigenin-containing extract on the same population and some animal and cell-based research are insufficient to support the use of apigenin for anxiety and depression until more clinical research is conducted. 2) Skin Health In a clinical trial on 40 women, apigenin cream increased skin density and elasticity while reducing wrinkle length. In cells, it reduced the damage caused by UV radiation [ 6 ]. In mice, topical apigenin improved skin permeability barrier function by […]

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